Today, art lovers in the capital have the chance to pick up an original painting and at the same time make a contribution to charity. Emirati artist Um Khalifa Al Rumaithi has donated 20 of her paintings for a charity exhibition in Khalidiyah Mall in Abu Dhabi. The show, titled Artistic Inspirations, contains works inspired by forests, mountains and natural landscapes from around the world. All proceeds will go towards UAE Red Crescent. Here, we catch up with the artist ahead of the two-day show:
Q: How did you start art?
It started as a hobby at home. My husband supported and encouraged me to learn and enhance my skills by watching online videos and buying materials. Then I made a studio in my house and thank God, I found out I had talent.
Q: How do you decide what to paint?
I started with nature, flowers and trees and then when I discovered videos of American artist Bob Ross online, I learned how to mix the colours and to use the brushes so I started to paint landscapes and buildings. It was not easy but I enjoyed the challenge.
Q: Why did you decide to donate your paintings?
My husband suggested that I should do an exhibition and give away the proceeds. I thought it was a great idea. It is my goal to help other people not to make money for myself.
Q: How long does it take you to complete a painting?
The first time I did a painting it took me 15 hours and it was really small, now small pieces take only me only about four hours. However, then I moved onto the big canvases and these take me a few days.
Q: Where are the places that you paint?
Art is not about copying pictures. When I start, I just do it as I feel. I let my imagination go and I lose myself in these forests and mountains and thanks to God, every picture, once I finish it, is really nice.
Q: Why did you choose to have this show in a mall?
I do believe that a mall is the best place for people to see art. They don’t have to make a special trip, they are coming there anyway and then they will see the art and hopefully I will sell all the pieces so that many people can benefit.
* Artistic Inspirations opens tonight at 7pm in the central court of Khalidiyah Mall.
2018 ICC World Twenty20 Asian Western Sub Regional Qualifier
Event info: The tournament in Kuwait is the first phase of the qualifying process for sides from Asia for the 2020 World T20 in Australia. The UAE must finish within the top three teams out of the six at the competition to advance to the Asia regional finals. Success at regional finals would mean progression to the World T20 Qualifier.
Teams: UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Maldives, Qatar
Friday fixtures: 9.30am (UAE time) - Kuwait v Maldives, Qatar v UAE; 3pm - Saudi Arabia v Bahrain
THE LIGHT
Director: Tom Tykwer
Starring: Tala Al Deen, Nicolette Krebitz, Lars Eidinger
Rating: 3/5
Some of Darwish's last words
"They see their tomorrows slipping out of their reach. And though it seems to them that everything outside this reality is heaven, yet they do not want to go to that heaven. They stay, because they are afflicted with hope." - Mahmoud Darwish, to attendees of the Palestine Festival of Literature, 2008
His life in brief: Born in a village near Galilee, he lived in exile for most of his life and started writing poetry after high school. He was arrested several times by Israel for what were deemed to be inciteful poems. Most of his work focused on the love and yearning for his homeland, and he was regarded the Palestinian poet of resistance. Over the course of his life, he published more than 30 poetry collections and books of prose, with his work translated into more than 20 languages. Many of his poems were set to music by Arab composers, most significantly Marcel Khalife. Darwish died on August 9, 2008 after undergoing heart surgery in the United States. He was later buried in Ramallah where a shrine was erected in his honour.
German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
